Kruger Park ranger and vet arrested for poaching

Two of the men tasked with leading anti-poaching operations in the Kruger National Park were arrested for poaching on Wednesday.

Two men who were supposed to protect the Kruger National Park from poachers have been arrested for poaching themselves.

The ranger and a veterinarian technician in the agriculture and forestry department’s animal health directorate in Skukuza were allegedly caught in the act on Wednesday, News24 reported.

They were busted by other rangers out on their daily patrol. The patrol rangers heard gunshots and went to investigate. Two men – one a in a green ranger uniform and the other in khaki clothing – were running towards a bakkie parked nearby. A chase followed and more rangers were called for back up. They blocked the bakkie and the two were arrested. A fresh white rhino carcass, two horns, a rifle, and other poaching equipment were recovered.

The names of the rangers – or their next court date – could not be provided.